I need advice regarding an issue with USPS lost package. I sent a 40 lb. package to my friend in Stamford, CT and it's not delivered though it's been a month. I do not have a receipt/tracking number for it. When we inquire of the USPS customer service, their only response is that nothing can be done without the tracking number. Is there any alternative way to solve this problem?
Sunvam from Somerset, NJ
I'd start by calling the office manager of the destination Post Office and ask for help. (08/14/2007)
By Holly
You also might start with the office that you mailed it from. If you know the date and time you were in their office, I would think that there would be records of all mailed packages from that office. There would be a list of tracking numbers mailed out within a particular time period and you could go from there! (08/14/2007)
By Noella
I have had a friend track down a package by calling the receiving Post Office directly. You will have to hunt down the phone number. Undeliverable packages go into a storage area, I believe. You could also have your friend in Stamford go directly to the post office to talk to someone face to face. I've always had very good service with the post office and they are my first choice when shipping boxes for the holidays and such. Cheaper and faster than UPS or FedEx.
Jess (08/14/2007)
By Jess
Don't forget the local newspaper help column and the local TV consumer reporter. They love to do this kind of thing. (08/14/2007)
By Janice C.
Fill out PS Form 1510 (Mail Loss/Rifling Report) from your Post Office. I've been told that submitting this form almost magically makes lost packages be delivered. Of course this was for books, not a 40 pound box, but it couldn't hurt to try. (08/14/2007)
By Guest
I am experiencing a similar problem. I sent a package from MO to AZ on March 20 2008. It weighed 67 lbs. It has not arrived yet. I called the 1-800 ask USPS (almost useless number) with no results. I then called 1-800-222-1811 to see where my package was, with no results. Then I called the office where I sent my package from and I was told to file a complaint with the postal inspector (http://postalinspectors.uspis.gov/) (1-877-876-2455) with no results. I don't even think they looked into the complaint.
Finally I started to attempt to track my package my self spending numerous hours on the phone with different offices. I called the USPS consumer affairs office ( (602-223-3223) and was told they would look into it for me via email. (not very effective).
I did a little research via the net and found a number for the Dead Mail Center in Atlanta (404-344-1625). They told me that the package was last seen in Glendale AZ on 14 April 2008. Don't know why it would be there. I informed the Consumer Affairs about what I had found out and they where surprised to know. Don't know why they could not get that information. They then told me that they would call and try to find any info.
I was surprised that they actually called me back, but not surprised that they could not get any info. They then told me that they would check the Phoenix Distribution Center (602- 225-3122). I have not heard back yet about them. I then called the Glendale main post office (623-486-2029). They remember seeing the package and I was told that it was put back into the system.
I then called the West Valley office (623-442-6033) with no results. I then called the Tucson Distribution Center (520-388-5043) with no results. All of these offices are within 3 hours from my home and so far it has taken 12 days for my package to make a 3 hour trip (truly snail mail). I check with the local Post Office almost every day (520- 458-0554) and they are anticipating seeing my package almost as much has I am. Just so that I can stop calling.
My next step is to call the Post Master General of both my local area (520-458-0554) and the region (520 388-5101) and call the Consumer Affairs office for Tucson (520- 388-5090) and the Dead Mail Center in St Paul (651-293-3083), and write a letter to my congressman.
It is hard to get phone numbers for the USPS system but with a little sweet talk you may be able to get the number you are looking for. The USPS keeps their numbers very a secret, but after calling everyone and their mothers you can get what you are looking for. Bottom line is that the USPS may seem like a service when everything works. But when something breaks, they are filled with much bureaucratic BS as any other government office. I truly believe my persistence will pay off in the end, but I hope this will help you. (04/25/2008)
By upsetwithusps
Add your voice! Click below to comment. ThriftyFun is powered by your wisdom!
